I am not sure how December came around so quickly but, yes, the tail end of 2022 is nearly here. Albeit, l was confronted with fucked up, unwarranted and unexpected setbacks, on the flipside, this year turned out to be exciting and full of surprises.
As we get ready to celebrate the Festive Season and look forward to a New Year l would like to take a moment to thank Ultimate 48 Hour Authors for their support and guidance and for steering me in the right direction to publish my 1st book. I learnt so much and met amazing people.
To everyone who took ‘Unbosoming’ under their wing and gave my book a place in their home, café, library, radio station and bookstore, l am grateful beyond words!
To my former salon community, clientele, family, and friends who sent messages and emails, or called to chat about how ‘Unbosoming’ made you feel, your feedback was appreciated. Your book review made me want to listen and learn more about the feelings that people are experiencing on a day-to-day basis and letting me know that you resonated with one story, or ten, confirms that we are all travelling in time, in life, having experiences that entail the good, the bad and the ugly.
Just like the stories in my book that are raw and real, feelings were at the core of me wanting to express myself, not only about how l was feeling, but how l felt after you shared your story with me. From laughter to tears, heartache to happiness, sadness to exhilaration, anger to peace and everything in-between, feelings exist, they matter, and you matter.
One thing is certain and that is I never underestimate the positivity and feel-good vibes that community connections bring into your life, and this year has been no exception. Crossing paths and spending time with like-minded people who share a passion for writing has been an integral part of my journey in 2022. My gratitude goes out to the caring, creative and friendly tribe who are the ‘Peninsula Writers Club’. I have loved the chat sessions, banter and laughter, advice, recommendations, and all the support l have received since moving to the Mornington Peninsula.
And finally, a big thank you for all the invitations and opportunities presented to me this year. Overwhelmed by the support from kind and generous people reiterates that there are plenty of nice people in this big wide world.
Big love and many thanks to Lina, Luci, Peninsula Writers’ Club, Linda Woodhead, HairBiz and Mocha Australia family, Paperback Bookstore, Mary Martin Books, Happiness First Café, Chatty Café, Teal House Gallery, Rosebud Book Barn, Farrells Bookshop, Chris and Catie, RPPFM, Dymocks Camberwell and Glen Iris, Craigieburn Library, Hume Libraries, Mornington Peninsula Libraries, Mitchell Shire Libraries, State Library Victoria, City Library Melbourne, Online Book Club and Aria Award winner Matt ‘ADNATE’ the creative star who designed my salon masterpiece that was then to become my book cover. In some way you have all been my backbone, lifting me up, making me smile, keeping my vision alive.
What l learnt about myself - Don’t underestimate my gut feelings and never lose sight of ‘ME’. I matter, l am important, and l am worthy of being happy. And so are ‘YOU’
My motto- Get up, dress up, show up.
Book Recommendations- Phosphorescence by Julia Baird Insightful!
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy.
A beautiful message for people of all ages.
My message to you- Keep smiling and do the best you can with whatever it is you may be dealing with in your life, moment by moment, one day at time.
My Tip- Find your tribe and spend more time with people who radiate positive energy and free-flowing good vibes that make you smile.
Daily Mantra- Believe in yourself and work towards your goals. It may take time, it may be difficult, but it is possible to achieve good things in your life.
Remind myself- They told me l couldn’t, that’s why l did.
What would l tell my younger self?
Stop caring about what other people think of me and keep reminding myself that everything happens for a reason, even if at the time l don’t understand what the reason is.
Moving forward...
I look forward to what the year of 2023 has in store for me, even though l am not 100% sure what that may be.
'The Daily Mirror' acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.
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